For centuries communities of color in the U.S. have sought to combat the forces of repression and exploitation by uniting against them. For centuries the enemy has used tactics of Divide-and-Conquer, later Divide-and-Control, to impose and maintain its domination. Since the 1600’s those tactics have served to prevent alliances of oppressed whites with Native Americans, Blacks, Latinos, Asian/Pacific Island Americans, and Arab Americans, as well as alliances between people of color. …As this nation becomes ever more colored in its population, the stakes seem to rise for White Supremacy. In fearful response to changing demographics has come an escalation of Divide-and-Control tactics, especially as applied to peoples of color.
In the new century about to begin, we can expect divisive efforts to multiply even more. So will our own questions about how to overcome them, for nothing guarantees that a non-white majority by itself can bring unity among people of color, or an end to racism, or a society of multi-colored democracy. How to deal with the divisions over immigration policy, bilingual education, political representation, or the allotment of resources? How to build unity if the prevailing model of race relations remains exclusively Black/white and ignores racism as encountered by other communities of color? How to construct a unity never seen before, a revolutionary unity?
It is to help answer these urgent questions that the Institute for Multiracial Justice has been initiated. ..the Institute commits itself to:
*serve as a clearinghouse of information on joint work done by communities of color locally, regionally and eventually on a national basis, with the goal of sharing lessons learned nad generating ideas.
*provide a center that would make available — and in some cases produce — educational materials such as videios, films, and exhibits on different groups of color with the goal of helping to break down the walls of ignorance that divide us. For example: a video seriess or book in Spanish on African American history for newly arrived immigrants from Latin America; a video offering an overview of the Asian/Pacific American experirence; material depicting the unknown histories of collaboration among peoples of color.
*hold educational events (speakers, forums, and conferences), on specific issues and controversies such as immigrant rights or bilingual education. This includes supporting evetns planned by others.
*provide a site and, if needed, facilitators for meetings between pepole from different communities of color on specific issues.
*establish an autonomous program for youth of color, as one of the most promising sectors for building solidarity.
*establishing cultural programs involving theater, music and, performance. Work with other groups of artists who can build solidarity through direct experience of collaboration, utilizing culture as a crucial means of communication.
*produce a publication that helps to create an anti-racist, anti-capitalist ideological climate.
(excerpted from Shades of Power, the Institutes newsletter)
The Institutes primary aim is to work with and in communities of color to support grassroots community organizations that are working to bring together people of color. Two related tasks seem crucial: one, energetic campaigns of education and dialogue to unite our different peoples and two, encouraging joint work on concrete projects that can help form bonds of trust. If you have information, materials, events, time or other ways to contribute to this unifying effort to respirit our communities, please contact the IMRJ at:
Shades of Power
3311 Mission Street, #170
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 522-2307
E-mail: InstiMRJ@aol.com
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Elena Featherston
Saturday, 22-Aug-98 17:56:05